Q: We have come across several challenges in determining the source of a SSA benefit related to a disability. Applicants prefer to use the SSA documentation to support their determination of both income and disability status to ease the burden of gathering documentation.

Not every benefit letter states whether the payments are due for disability or retirement. We have been told by several SSA representatives that the law states that if an applicant is less than age 62 and is receiving Medicare Part A, then benefits must be provided because of a disability. We understand that a disability determination from SSA matches the requirements set out by SCSEP as well. Can you clarify if the stated "SSA law" with age and Medicare provision is sufficient to document disability for source of income and status as the representative advises without it actually being stated on a form?

A: Determining the source of SSA payments is not always easy. While it is generally true that a Medicare beneficiary under the age of 65 is receiving Medicare because of a disability, that is not always the case. Spouses, ex-spouses, and unmarried children of various ages can also receive Medicare benefits based on a disabled beneficiary's earnings. See the SSA Disability Benefits guide at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html#a0=6 . If in doubt, the safest course is to request a benefit determination letter from SSA. See the posting " 'DI' after SSN as Proof of SS Disability, Revised," dated September 28, 2010, on this forum.